Special: Queen Margrethe's Royal Abdication and King Frederik's Succession
The schedule for events for the Danish royal family as they celebrate a new monarch
The anticipation continues to grow for the succession of King Frederik X and Queen Mary, who will take the throne after Queen Margrethe II officially abdicates tomorrow, January 14. The country is already gearing up for the historic celebration, with the French Embassy thanking Queen Margrethe for her service, a nod to her husband’s French roots, and an outdoor tribute entitled Denmark’s Queen – The Greatest Thanks.
Join the Royal News Network Livestream of the event: https://youtube.com/live/eMyBl0zDDTg
This is the first time that a monarch of Denmark has abdicated since the 1100s, when King Eric III left his throne in 1146 to become a monk.
In her New Year’s Eve address, Queen Margrethe shocked Denmark and the world by announcing her abdication, something that she had allegedly even kept secret from family members and government officials until days before the announcement. She stated that a back surgery from the previous year had encouraged her to reconsider her future as the monarch.
“I have decided that now is the right time. On 14 January 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. I will leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.” - Queen Margrethe
Her decision to abdicate is in line with what several royal families have done in the last 10 years.
In 2013 it began with Dutch Queen Beatrix, who honored a century of tradition in the country and abdicated in favor of her son, the now King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima. He plans to continue the tradition with his daughter, The Princess of Orange, Princess Catharina-Amalia.
But the two following abdications weren’t occasions of celebration, as much as attempts to keep the various crowns from crumbling under the weight of the monarch’s troubles.
In Belgium, former King Albert abdicated the throne under the weight of a legal case brought by his illegitimate daughter, though he officially cited health issues. King Juan Carlos of Spain, who was wildly popular throughout his reign, relinquished the throne to his son over various corruption scandals, including a safari trip to Botswana with his mistress while the country was undergoing austerity measures. His son-in-law also was under investigation at the time for tax evasion and ended up spending time in prison.
Needless to say, this change of power in Denmark is a much happier affair, much like that of the Netherlands. The Queen will be able to sit in as regent, when necessary, if Crown Prince Christian, 18, is not available, and will retain the title of Queen, unlike Beatrix who now goes by Princess Beatrix.
For tiara enthusiasts, one of the most exciting moments will be seeing how the new Queen Mary utilizes her new access to tiaras Danish Royalty Property Trust Jewelry. Unfortunately, this will be a rather moderate affair so no tiaras are expected.
For the day of the proclamation, here’s the schedule:
13:35 - The Crown Prince Couple and Prince Christian will leave Frederik VIII’s Palace for Christiansborg Palace
13:37 - HM The Queen will ride in a carriage, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment, from Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg to Christiansborg Palace.
Route - Amalienborg left turn around the equestrian statue, Frederiksgade, Bredgade, Kong’s Nytorv, Hotel d’Angleterre, Holmens Canal, Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard
14:00 - A Council of State will be held at Christiansborg Palace.
14:15 - HM Queen Margrethe will take a motorcar from Christiansborg Palace to Christian IX’s Palace, Amalienborg.
15:00 - From the balcony of Christiansborg Palace, the Prime Minister will proclaim the succession and Frederik as King. Queen Mary, Queen Margrethe and Crown Prince Christian will likely all appear, in addition to Frederik and Mary’s younger children, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
15:30 - The new King and Queen will ride around Copenhagen, escorted by the Guard Hussar Regiment from Christiansborg Palace to Frederik VIII’s Palace.
Route - Prince Jørgen’s Courtyard, Holmens Bridge, Holmens Canal, Kongens Nytorv, Bredgade, Saint Annæ Square, Amaliegade, Amalienborg left turn around the equestrian statue
17:00 - The transfer of the royal colors from Christian IX’s Palace to Frederik' VIII’s Palace, Amalienborg.
18:00 - Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s historic amusement park, will mark the new King and Queen with a 12-minute long historic firework display.
